Jason Burgos
A new report offers up reason to wonder if Karl-Anthony Town’s recent hot streak for the New York Knicks may be partially motivated by the chance to land one last monster contract.
The version of Towns that Knicks fans have seen over the last couple of weeks may be the best version they have seen during his two seasons with the team. The wildest part about it is that over their last four games, he has scored 20 or more points just once.
The All-Star who claims he is the best shooting big man of all time has looked like the Eastern version of Nikola Jokic with some outstanding passing and work as a facilitator at the top of the key. However, he has also put out maximum effort on the defensive side. The Knicks probably aren’t on this recent playoff tear without this version of KAT.
A month ago, there was speculation about his place on this roster and coach Mike Brown not making the adjustments to get the most out of the six-time All-Star. It seemed like his days in New York might be numbered. Especially when the Knicks got down 2-1 in their series against the Atlanta Hawks. Who knows where he could end up in a trade?
However, he has bought in on defense, and Brown finally found a way to get the most out of his offensive talents. But all of that is happening because Towns is showing a level of sacrifice he rarely has. Something changed, where he chose to alter his style and do whatever the team needed to win and get to the Finals, even if he scored less. That is a great thing for Knicks fans and shows a new level of dedication.
Is Karl-Anthony Towns’ recent play motivated by getting a new max deal from NY Knicks?
Yet, for Towns, his recent play and mental pivot may be motivated by more than a first trip to the NBA Finals. In a new report from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the NBA insiders point out that Towns can opt out of the final year of his deal next summer. Opting out of a deal that pays him $61 million seems odd, but the goal would be to get an extension.
“The Knicks could give him a max deal for up to four years and $260 million,” they report. At 30, an extension this summer would likely be the last mega-deal he gets as a pro. So it makes a lot of sense for him to be his best version with the team having a real chance of getting to the NBA Finals and winning.
Bontemps and Windhorst note the Knicks have close to $170 million invested in Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart for the 2027-28 season. However, if the Knicks get to the Finals or win their first title in 43 years, Towns puts them in a tough spot where they have to pay him and pursue another title run.
